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Hosted by the MU Writing Center, the annual Week of Writing is a celebration of writing in all its forms.
This year’s theme, Writing “Above the Table”, draws inspiration from tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs). These collaborative games allow players to create a story together. Talking “above the table” refers to discussions held out of character, where the group sets expectations, discusses strategy, and agrees on processes and boundaries for their shared storytelling experience.
To that end, W.O.W. 2026 focuses on the process of writing, including the opportunities for collaboration, the struggles, and the joy of the process itself. The featured speaker of the week, Mizzou alumna Dr. Emily Friedman, will share insights into her scholarly work on TTRPGs and invite the MU community into shared storytelling experiences.
Below, take a look at W.O.W. events especially relevant for graduate and postdoctoral scholars. View the full schedule of events (and registration links where relevant) on the W.O.W. webpage.
Monday, Oct. 19
W.O.W. Kickoff |10 a.m. | Lowry Mall
Revealing Research Workshop: Translating Your Scholarly Work Beyond the Academy | 3-4 p.m. | Grad Hub, 111F Townsend
GradsWork | 5-8 p.m. | The Writing Center
Tuesday, Oct. 20
[Registration required] Full-Day Graduate Student Writing Retreat (lunch provided) | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Conley House
Finding Your Writing Community: A Conversation with the Missouri Writers Guild | 2-3 p.m. | Ellis 114A
Deconstructing the Draft: Dynamic Approaches to Writing and Revision | 3-3:30 p.m. | Ellis 114A
Wednesday, Oct. 21
Writing Journeys: A Reflective Practice | 10-10:30 a.m. | Online on Zoom (register for link)
Writing While Learning, Teaching While Writing: Between Languages, Between Roles | 1:30-1:45 p.m. | Ellis 114A
Thursday, Oct. 22
What’s Hiding UNDERNEATH the Table: The Monsters Writers Create | 10-10:30 a.m. | Ellis 114A
Creative Revision-ing: Divination & Scrying Practices for Revising our Writing | 11 a.m.-noon | Ellis 114A
Special Collections event with Dr. Emily Friedman | 2-3 p.m. | Ellis 114A
Table Top Role Playing Game Jam | 6 p.m. | Hexagon Alley
Friday, Oct. 23
[Registration required] Graduate Student Lunch & Learn with Dr. Emily Friedman (lunch provided) | 12-1 p.m. | Alumni Faculty Lounge, Memorial Union S304
“Why Do We Tell Stories?” A Talk by Dr. Emily Friedman | 7 p.m. | Ellis Auditorium